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Guerneville, California

The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Guerneville, California are a must-visit for anyone seeking outdoor adventures. The Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve offers a top-rated hiking trail that winds through towering redwood trees. The trail is moderately challenging but rewards hikers with scenic views of the forest's unique ecosystem. For a more relaxed outdoor activity, Johnson's Beach is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking by the Russian River. The Russian River itself is a hub for kayaking and canoeing, with several rental shops nearby. If you're up for a bit of a climb, the Riverfront Regional Park has two beautiful lakes surrounded by a trail with stunning views. These attractions, in and near Guerneville, make it a top destination for the best in outdoor activities.

Top Spots in and near Guerneville

  • Guerneville, California

    Johnson's Beach

    Johnson's Beach is a public beach located on the Russian River in Guerneville, California. 
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  • Guerneville, California

    East Ridge - Pool Ridge Loop

    4.5
    3.37 mi / 810 ft gain
    This park most resembles Muir Woods, and if you're looking to get out of the tourist trap, head to Armstrong Redwoods and make a day of it. This 3-mile hike takes off from the sign pointing to East Ridge Trail. As you begin a slight climb up the trail, you'll be under the cover of the redwoods, s...
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  • Guerneville, California

    Parson Jones and Colonial Armstrong Redwood Trees

    5.0
    The Parson Jones Tree is the tallest tree in the reserve, measuring more than 310 feet (94 m) in height. This is longer than the length of a football field!  Named after a lumberman who chose to preserve this portion of the park in the 1870s, the Colonel Armstrong Tree is the oldest tree in the ...
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  • Monte Rio, California

    Monte Rio Community Beach

    Monte Rio Community Beach is located in the Sonoma County town of Monte Rio. The beach nestles up to the Russian River offering a great chance for families to kick back and relax by the water or bring your kayak or stand-up paddle board for fun on the water. Dog-Friendly: Monte Rio Community Be...
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  • Forestville, California

    Sunset Beach River Park

    4.0
    Sunset Beach River Park is located off River Road in Forestville, California. The beach offers up picturesque views of the Russian River and is a great spot to end your float if starting at Steelhead Beach. The Beach: The beach is about a quarter of a mile walk from the parking area. Keep this ...
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  • Guerneville, California

    Austin Creek State Recreation Area Loop

    5.0
    8.65 mi / 1722 ft gain
    The hike starts at the Gilliam Creek Trailhead, halfway up Armstrong Woods Road on the way to Bullfrog Pond. There is an $8 fee to enter the park, to be paid at the ranger kiosk as you enter Armstrong Woods.  HIKING Begin hiking by descending the Gilliam Creek Trail. The descent is long and ste...
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  • Forestville, California

    Mother's Beach ("Mom's Beach")

    4.0
    Mother's Beach, known locally as Mom's Beach, is located in Forestville, California. This beach is a hidden gem situated on the scenic Russian River, between Steelhead Beach and Sunset Beach.  Dog Friendly: Mom's Beach is a great spot to bring your pup on a leash.  Times of Operation: The bea...
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  • Monte Rio, California

    Islands in the Sky Vista Loop

    4.0
    3.83 mi / 883 ft gain
    The Islands in the Sky Vista Loop in Monte Rio, California, is a moderately challenging hiking trail. Spanning approximately 3.83 miles, the loop offers a variety of terrain, including forested areas, open meadows, and rocky outcrops. The trail is well-marked and maintained, making it suitable fo...
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  • Forestville, California

    Steelhead Beach

    Steelhead Beach offers two great spots to access the river. There's a small beach on the right-hand side of the beach (south end) and a launch site on the left (north end) of the beach. The launch point makes for a great spot to start your float down the river. Make sure you have a shuttle car or...
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  • Forestville, California

    Canoe the Russian River via Forestville

    5.0
    Starting at Burke's Canoe in Forestville, CA this is a 10-mile self-guided canoe trip down the Russian River.  You can rent your canoe from Burke's and launch from their beach.  Burke's will also pick you up 10 miles down-river and shuttle you back to their parking lot.This canoe trip features lo...
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  • Occidental, California

    Watershed View Trail

    1.54 mi / 174 ft gain
    The Watershed View Trail is located off of Coleman Valley Road and shares a trailhead with the Hunters Camp and Creekside Loop. This trail is a 1.5-mile out-and-back, which makes for a great trail to get the family out on to get some energy out. Be prepared for a muddy trail if there has been rec...
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  • Occidental, California

    Hunters Camp and Creekside Loop

    5.36 mi / 853 ft gain
    Hunters Camp and Creekside Loop is an almost 6-mile loop off of Coleman Valley Road in Occidental, California. This trail can get pretty muddy during the rainy season, but as an added bonus, it makes the waterfall along the Creekside Trail that much better.  Dogs are not permitted on this trail. 
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  • Occidental, California

    LandPaths Grove of Old Trees

    5.0
    0.7 mi / 92 ft gain
    The Grove of Old trees is a privately-owned preserve in Western Sonoma County that is open to the public year round. It is not large, only about 33 acres, but it makes a wonderful spot to go on a walk and to soak in the beauty of the redwoods. To get there from downtown Occidental, drive West up...
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  • Jenner, California

    Bouldering at Sunset Boulders

    5.0
    0.6 mi
    You can see the boulders off the left side of the road. Couple of different pullouts you can park at to start your approach. It’s about half a mile from the road all downhill. It’s easy going when you’re on your way, but kind of a pain after you’re whooped from climbing.  Bouldering, high balls, ...
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  • Sonoma County, California

    Red Hill and Pomo Canyon Loop

    4.8
    4.73 mi / 981 ft gain
    Park in the Shell Beach parking lot, north of Bodega Bay proper but just south of Goat Rock State Beach on Highway 1. Cross the road to pick up the Dr. David C. Joseph Memorial Trail heading up away from the ocean. Follow the trail, staying right toward Red Hill. (The trail forks off down Pomo Ca...
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  • Jenner, California

    Bouldering at Lamb's Rock, Sunset Boulders

    5.0
    Lamb Boulder, located within the "Sunset Boulders" collection, contains four fun and challenging V2 - V6 bouldering routes. They are: Calambity: V6Rock Scar: V3+Skullcracker: V2 RThe Specialist: V4 Lamb Boulder is located directly across from the Sunset Boulder itself and its trad routes. To get ...
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Camping and Lodging in Guerneville

AutoCamp Russian River
Guerneville, California

AutoCamp Russian River

From $149 / night

Warm Springs Rec Area
Geyserville, California

Warm Springs Rec Area

Liberty Glen (Lake Sonoma)
Liberty Glen Campground

Liberty Glen (Lake Sonoma)

Cloverdale / Healdsburg KOA
Cloverdale, California

Cloverdale / Healdsburg KOA

San Francisco North / Petaluma KOA
Petaluma, California

San Francisco North / Petaluma KOA

Guides, Insights and Stories from Guerneville

Meet Caroline Beteta: President & CEO of Visit California

Meet Caroline Beteta: President & CEO of Visit California

The Outbound Collective

Black Diamond Men's Momentum Climbing Shoes Review

Black Diamond Men's Momentum Climbing Shoes Review

Benjamin Canevari

10 Must-Do Adventures in Point Reyes National Seashore

10 Must-Do Adventures in Point Reyes National Seashore

The Outbound Collective

Point Reyes Can Be the Most Amazing Place You've Ever Been To

Point Reyes Can Be the Most Amazing Place You've Ever Been To

Sam Loomis

Looking For Wildlife at Point Reyes National Seashore

Looking For Wildlife at Point Reyes National Seashore

Chase Dekker

Escape to Marin for a Winter Weekend Getaway

Escape to Marin for a Winter Weekend Getaway

Sara Sheehy